How to choose your energy supplier

How does billing work?

Texas customers: Your billing cycle is based upon the meter reading dates set by the TDSP (Transmission and Distribution Service Provider, or utility) for your area. We do not control when your meter gets read, and a typical cycle lasts anywhere from 28-32 days.

For most customers in the Northeast and Midwest, there are minimal changes to billing after choosing an energy supplier. Your local utility company still sends your bill every month, except now you’ll see Direct Energy listed as a line item on your bill under "supply" or "generation services."

How much will my bill be?

Your electricity and natural gas bills are based on usage times your energy rate. Usage varies based on factors like weather, your home's size and energy efficiency. Your bill also includes charges that your utility adds for all residents in your service area.

Learn more about how to calculate your electricity bill.

Fixed vs. variable rates

Your plan’s rate type impacts how much you pay for energy every month. A fixed-rate plan locks in a rate for a period of time, which protects you if energy costs rise during your plan’s term. On a variable-rate plan you’ll see pricing fluctuate month-to-month.

Often, customers who stick with their utility aren’t able to choose their rate type. But energy choice means you can choose whether you prefer price stability or more flexibility with a different supplier.

Supply vs. delivery charges

There are 2 major parts to your bill: the supply charges, which reflect the energy you use, and the utility or delivery charges, which cover the operational costs of delivering energy to your home.

Making payments

Texas customers: You have a wide variety of ways to pay your Texas electricity bill, whether it’s through our Online Account Manager, by phone or in person.

Northeast and Midwest customers: You will usually pay your electricity and/or natural gas bill through your local utility, even if choose to receive energy from a supplier like Direct Energy. Contact your utility for more information on your payment options.

Important plan information

Don’t skip the fine print! Many state regulations require energy suppliers to create and display documents detailing a plan’s rate, term length, fees and other stipulations. Use them to help you compare potential costs of a plan against your current bills, and also against other energy plans you may be considering. At Direct Energy, this information will always be easily available to you.

Learn more about plan documents.